From Classic Rendezvous: Gianni Motta ended a distinguished pro career (as the sometimes nemesis, sometimes team mate to Eddy Merckx) by opening his own bicycle production workshop. A physically big man himself, Motta frames were noted for stiff, efficient power transmission and the Italian national tri-color paint jobs on the top model! He used distinctive seat stays that were bent inward at the brake bridge area and a capped seat stay "top eye."